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| Sophie with her Harley loaded and ready for adventure in Timbarra, Victoria. |
Where did your interest in bikes develop?
I was exposed to bikes around the age of 10, on a weekend away at a friend’s farm in Cobargo. I can't remember much, apart from dodging alpaca poos and crashing in to a blackberry bush. My next experience with bikes ended in my brother breaking a leg when I was 12. It wasn't until I was a pillion on the back of a road bike at age 17 that I really started to consider getting my license.
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On her first bike, the Yamaha Virago XV250 at Mt. Nebo in Brisbane |
How old were you when you learnt to ride? How/where did you learn to ride?
I'm 25 now and first attempted seriously learning to ride when I was 19. It started with some dodgy back street lessons on a Virago 750, with my teacher on the back. After about half an hour he let me take it for a spin without him and naturally I dropped it. He persisted in teaching me though, and across the course of three years and many life changes, I finally got my license and a bike in 2012.
I was thrown in to long distance road riding pretty early on, tackling Brisbane to Sydney in one day only a week after getting my license. I have never known a sore butt like that day. For a few years there my bike was only used for big trips, otherwise sitting under the house gathering dust while I drove to work. In 2012 I finally ditched my car and by 2014 I was riding every day, rain hail or shine.
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In full femme fatale mode on a Harley Shovel |
Tell us about the bikes you've owned?
I've owned three bikes since then. I started on a Yamaha Virago XV250, which served me from 2012 to 2014 during my poor student phase. I then graduated to a Honda Steed VLX600, which unfortunately was a lemon (breaking down a total of 3 times in six months). When the tank began to piss fuel on to my leg during a ride I finally gave up and got rid of it. In August 2015 I treated myself to a Harley (XL883) which is my current ride.
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All smiles with the XL883 Sportster in Wilmot, Tasmania |
Have you ever had any accidents/close calls?
When it comes to close calls, like every rider, I know that heart-in-throat, adrenalin pumped, near-death moment all too well. As someone who rides every day, I continue to experience near misses all the time. As time goes on the environment doesn't change, but your way of dealing with hazards does. The more time you spend on the road, the better your hazard perception and responses will be. Unfortunately, the more time spent on the road also directly correlates with the chances of you having an accident...but that's a risk I'm willing to take.
I've had the usual near misses; people pulling out, wildlife, wet roads, oil slicks, locking the back wheel, bike troubles...but I'm still here. I've dropped every bike I've owned at least once. The only crash I've had has been on dirt, this year in fact, and thankfully I had all the relevant armour on so I just limped around for a week til' the bruising healed.
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Double trouble from the Time Warp Festival ride in Palmoods, QLD |
What’s your favourite road you recommend?
My favourite road would hands down have to be Thunderbolts Way, closely followed by the Great Alpine Road. Both beautiful, picturesque roads that are virtually deserted every time I visit. That was the one problem with the Great Ocean Road - too many bloody caravans!
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Misty conditions from Mt Wellington in Tasmania |
What’s your most memorable ride?
My most memorable ride would have to be the longest ride I've ever done. I did Brisbane to Tasmania and back and it was the best time of my life. Covering 9,000kms in 18 days was no easy feat though, and with bike troubles and severe weather to boot it certainly wasn't comfortable. But it was an adventure. The places I saw and the people I met are still so vivid in my mind. That's the beauty of riding; you become fully immersed in the scene. The weather soaks through your clothes, the wind chills you to the bone, the locals invite you in and you leave all your worries behind. I have found peace and happiness like no other on a motorcycle.
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The Great Alpine Road, VIC |
What advice do you have for those who are considering joining the motorcycle community?
For anyone considering joining the motorcycle community, there are a range of avenues you can take to get involved. Starting as a pillion with a person you can trust is always a great way to see whether bikes are for you. If you can find someone willing to lend you a small bike for a lesson or two that’s even better. Getting involved in motorcycling events, even as a spectator, can also put you in touch with the right people. The motorcycle community is a very friendly one, and there is always someone willing to teach and offer advice. As cheesy as it sounds, I’ve found Instagram to be a great platform for meeting fellow riders and hearing about motorcycling events and charity runs. The more you get out there, the more confidence you will get and the more weird and wonderful people you will meet!
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Safely owning the road! |
Thank you very much for your time!
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A Rick & Morty edition skateboard deck by Sophie shows off her creative talents |
You can follow Sophie's adventures on her Instagram account @deadbeatdame__ (with two underscores)
